Morrisson-Reeves Library Moves Forward on Infrastructure Repair Project for Building
Morrisson-Reeves Library is moving forward with a $4.5 million targeted repair plan to address high-risk structural needs. Funded entirely through existing internal reserves and historic community donations, this critical repair project will ensure the facility remains safe and operational for the public until a more comprehensive renovation of the building can be funded.
This follows a 2024 Facilities Assessment and 2025 Comprehensive Building Masterplan which determined the need for a $18.72 million library bond to fund a full renovation which required approval by Wayne County Council. In fall 2025, the library presented the Wayne County Council with multiple bond options and provided thorough responses to all council inquiries. A community forum was held in October 2025, to which members of County Council were invited. At the request of County Council, a subcommittee of the MRL Board and Council met in December 2025 and January 2026. MRL presented a project proposal reduced in scope and costs ranging from $9.5 million to $12 million, almost half of the original bond request. Ultimately, the Council declined to approve funding for any bond proposals.
Partnering with Richmond-based architecture firm LWC, Incorporated, this targeted project addresses high-priority, time-sensitive repairs. The scope of work focuses on mitigating severe roof leaks, addressing the lack of a fire suppression system, rebuilding a compromised north wall, restoring decaying exterior masonry, and reconfiguring upstairs public spaces for improved efficiency. Due to limited funding, this repair project will not address key aspects of the 2025 Building Masterplan, including an ADA-accessible entrance, building-wide accessibility upgrades, expanded meeting room and event spaces, updated electrical and plumbing systems, and other issues identified in the facilities assessment.
“We are taking direct action where the building requires immediate attention,” said Dena Little, Library Director. “While this project will not address every issue with the building, this investment extends the lifespan of our facility and ensures we can safely keep our doors open until we can secure funding for a full renovation.”
The library plans to remain open throughout most of the construction phase, although temporary closures may be necessary. As the library prepares for construction, patrons will notice library materials and bookshelves being rearranged over the coming weeks to create space adjustments.
Estimated Project Timeline
- Early 2027: Scope of work
- Spring 2027: Bids for work
- Summer 2027: Construction begins
- Early 2028: Repair work completed
The repair project will be funded through private gifts donated to the library over many decades, alongside a portion of MRL’s internal reserves. While operational funds will remain untouched, covering these repairs will completely exhaust the library’s non-operational reserves, and community support is more vital than ever. Morrisson-Reeves Library is an organization eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions under Section 170(c)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code. Gifts to aid facility needs can be made directly to the Building Renovation Fund online at mrlinfo.org/donate, in person, or by contacting community@mrlinfo.org.
The Library Board emphasizes that while these repairs mitigate immediate safety hazards, a comprehensive bond will eventually be required to address long-term capital replacements and a building renovation.